Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

It’s the first total solar eclipse across the U.S. in nearly a century, and the place to watch the extraordinary phenomenon is the Drill Field at Mississippi State on Monday from noon-3 p.m. Not only will spectators be able to observe the Sun reach 89 percent coverage by the moon at 1:27 p.m. on campus, but university researchers will have a rare chance to advance their knowledge of the star at the center of the solar system.

Lemus earns national award
The National Association of County Agricultural Agents recently recognized a Mississippi State University Extension Service specialist for his outstanding efforts guiding forage producers. Rocky Lemus, associate Extension and research professor, received the 2017 Achievement Award during the NACAA’s annual meeting and professional improvement conference in Utah. This award is given to agents with 10 years or fewer of service in Extension and who have exhibited excellence in the field of Extension education.

Maroon Edition book author to new students: ‘Be a champion for others’
Live in contradictions. Speak up, but listen intently. Use your voice to mean something, but make sure you’re hearing others out. Understand that patience and impatience are both virtues. Get some rest, but stay fully awake. Take care of each other. Those words of wisdom were part of an inspirational message that New York Times best-selling author Wes Moore shared last Thursday when addressing an estimated 3,500 first-year freshmen and all-time record-number 2,000 transfer students gathered for MSU’s fourth Fall Convocation in Humphrey Coliseum.

Walkability can improve health, community
Walking is an easy, enjoyable way for individuals to be more physically active and for communities to improve healthy living. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are many potential health benefits of physical activity. David Buys, health specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said walking has many environmental, economic and societal benefits.

New opportunities with the Maroon Volunteer Center
The Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State details a number of volunteer opportunities for the campus community on its website and in its newsletter this week, including Boys & Girls Club volunteers, information about becoming a mentor to at-risk young people, reading tutors, communication partners, Habitat for Humanity home build, and more.

Variety defines upcoming MSU Lyceum Series
A nostalgic trip down Abbey Road will open Mississippi State’s 2017-18 Lyceum Series. The university’s long-running performing arts program launches Sept. 12 with a concert titled “Cellophane Flowers: A Beatles Tribute.” “MSU’s Performing Arts Committee worked very hard this year to bring a variety of productions that will enhance the cultural opportunities available to the MSU and Starkville communities,” said Stephen Cunetto, committee chair and associate dean of MSU Libraries.

Policy reminders from University Health Services
University Health Services at Mississippi State reminds the campus community of several important policies for its patients to keep in mind when seeking treatment, parking, refilling a prescription, privacy and more.

This Week in Mississippi State Sports, 08/21/17
Volleyball hosts a Maroon-White exhibition match at Newell-Grissom on Monday at 7 p.m., and then visits Dallas for matches against SMU at 12:30 p.m. and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at 4:30 p.m. on Friday and against Rice at noon on Saturday ... Soccer visits Ruston for a game against Louisiana Tech on Thursday at 7 p.m., and then hosts Central Arkansas at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

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Mississippi State, EdR move forward with College View mixed-use project
An innovative public-private partnership at Mississippi State took a step forward last week. Meeting in Jackson, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning approved a pre-development agreement between the university and EdR. “As our campus and enrollment continue to grow, we believe there is potential with College View to create a truly unique project for the state, benefiting our students, faculty and staff, as well as alumni, local residents and visitors," said MSU President Mark E. Keenum.

MSU celebrates new school year with opening of Old Main Academic Center
Mississippi State officials celebrated the completion of the university’s newly constructed Old Main Academic Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony last week. “The students who take classes in this building will become teachers, interior designers, accountants, engineers and Extension agents,” MSU Provost and Executive Vice President Judy Bonner said. “They will become doctors, veterinarians, lawyers, maybe even college professors. Some will become CEOs, others will become inventors. If the past is a predictor of the future, we know that the students who learn in Old Main Academic Center will be civic leaders and represent the great people of Mississippi.”

New housing and residence life executive director enjoys first week at MSU
The Bulldog spirit at Mississippi State’s recent MVNU2MSU event couldn’t have left a better impression on Dei Allard. As newly appointed executive director of the university’s Department of Housing and Residence Life, Allard witnessed the excitement and energy of over 2,300 new and returning students and more than 270 volunteers who assisted them with moving into campus residence halls this past Saturday. “MVNU2MSU was quite a success because campus partners, volunteers and workers were friendly and ready to help students and their families,” Allard said.

Perry named football director of player development
Jay Perry, a Starkville native and Mississippi State graduate, has been named director of player development for the Bulldog football program, head coach Dan Mullen announced last Friday. Perry will serve as an administrative resource for MSU football student-athletes in all phases of their development. Among his chief responsibilities, he will serve as a liaison with the Athletic Department's life skills and mentor programs as well as a liaison for NFL scouts. He comes to MSU after spending 20 years in the legal profession.